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14 Anti-Valentines Day Things to Do in Toronto

Steam Whistle Brewery Tours

By:
Jenn Reid , Jessica PollackPosted: January 16, 2014

Did you find writing Valentine’s Day cards tedious as a child? Does the sight of a couple canoodling in the corner at a restaurant make you queasy? Well then, you seem like the perfect candidate for a little Anti-Valentine’s Day fun in Toronto. Whether you’re single or attached, bitter or bored, try out any combination of the above activities to score big this Valentine’s Day in Toronto.

EAT SOMETHING NEW (OR SLOPPY)

Nazareth Restaurant
Toronto’s most romantic restaurants fill up fast with V-Day keeners, so go for something a bit more hands on. Never had Ethiopian? Grab that someone special or a group of friends, and head to Nazareth Restaurant. There’s nothing like plunging hungrily into saucy stews – with your hands – to stoke the flames of a non-cheesy V-Day.Map & AddressNeighbourhood: DovercourtCost: $

Dog & Bear
Head to The Dog & Bear pub on West Queen West for some wings and, if you’re lucky enough to go on a game night, hollering dudes. Be sure to tear into those flats and drummies as messily as possible, greedily licking your fingers often to better set the mood.Map & AddressNeighbourhood: West Queen WestCost: $$

Banu
Of course, there’s always Banu – for a meal that says, “We’ve got the balls to shun Valentine’s Day… and we’re eating them too.” Yes, we’re talking about testicles at the Iranian restaurant and vodka bar. Knock back a couple of signature cocktails (we like the sound of the “Bloodshot” for this occasion) and tuck into some Don Balan (lamb testicles marinated in vodka and shallots.)Map & AddressNeighbourhood:Queen WestCost: $$

The Grilled Cheese
Eschew the formal dining experience and do what you really want: indulge in some comfort food. The Kensington Market sandwich shop is one of our favourite spots for a melted and messy (but still delicious) grilled cheese.Map & AddressNeighbourhood:Kensington MarketCost: $

TAKE IN A (LOVELESS) SHOW

Metamorphosis
While seeing a show on Valentine’s Day can be a date-night staple, avoid the lovey-dovey couples checking out the TSO and head to the Royal Alexandra Theatre for a staging of Franz Kafka’s bizarre tale of a young man slowly turning into an insect.Event information and ticketsNeighbourhood:King WestCost: $25 – $99

UNTITLED FEMINIST SHOWNothing says romance quite like taking down traditional gender norms to explore what it is to be a woman, no? This theatrical piece at the Harbourfront Centre does exactly that, and is our best bet for place you won’t see any schmoopy couples.Event information and ticketsNeighbourhood: HarbourfrontCost: $43

GET WEIRD WITH IT

Enjoy a Yurt at Ceili Cottage
In Leslieville, Ceili Cottage’s Patrick McMurray has built a yurt. Sounds sexy, right? It’s a traditional nomadic dwelling in Central Asia, a wood-based hut seating 20 to 30 people. Knock back a few pickled eggs (not oysters!) and a couple of cold beers and see where the yurt takes you.Map & AddressNeighbourhood: LeslievilleCost: $$

Play Shuffleboard at Loons
Go west to Roncesvalles Village for a game of shuffleboard at local watering hole Loons. If it worked for your grandparents on winter seasons spent in Florida, it’s sure to work for you. A little geriatric competition, especially if either of you is a sore loser, screams “Anti-Valentine’s Day”!Map & AddressNeighbourhood: RoncesvallesCost: $$

PARTY WITH KINDRED SPIRITS

Steam Whistle Brewery TourThe local brewery offers first come, first serve tours every weekend, where you can tour the historical building, see how the beer is made and walk out with a souvenir (you can even get a 24 pack!)Map & AddressNeighbourhood: HarbourfrontCost: $10 – $26

Anti-Valentine’s Party
You’re not the only one sick of romance – Aria Complex is celebrating on the 14th with an Anti-Valentine’s bash. MATRIX & FUTUREBOUND provide the music, with other DJs popping up through the night.Event information Neighbourhood: Entertainment District Cost: $20

Ping pong at SPiN
Avoid the clubs that are inevitably overrun with bubbly and saccharine sentiment and head to SPiN, where their previous Bloody Valentine Massacre party was a huge success (ghoulish costumes, free ping pong and more) and whatever they come up with this year is sure to be a hit.Map & AddressNeighbourhood: King WestCost: $

Valentine’s Slay
If the only thing blacker than your heart is your metal, head to the 460 for a night of hardcore tunes. Metal band With Blood Drenched Hands headlines this concert, with Esoteric Doctrine and Profaner.Event informationNeighbourhood:Kensington MarketCost: $10